Japan is contemplating an extension of its tourist visa waiver for Thai citizens due to rising concerns over its potential discontinuation next year. This matter surfaced during discussions held in Tokyo between Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and his Japanese counterpart, Yoko Kamikawa.

 

Trade and investment relations were the primary focus of their meeting. However, the visa waiver programme was also a significant topic. Japan has permitted Thai tourists and businesspeople to enter without a visa for up to 15 days since 2013. This unilateral and temporary measure has been renewed every three years, with the current extension set to last until 2025.

 

Nevertheless, there are worries among those who overstay their visas that the programme might be terminated next year.

 

Kamikawa reportedly agreed to consider the extension of the visa waiver while both countries address the issue of overstayers, reported Bangkok Post.

 

“We are committed to strengthening our bilateral ties and ensuring that legitimate travel between our nations continues smoothly.”

 

The continuation of the visa waiver programme is seen as a crucial element in maintaining strong tourism and trade connections between Japan and Thailand.

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Photo courtesy of ThaiEmbassy.com

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-24

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

“We are committed to strengthening our bilateral ties and ensuring that legitimate travel between our nations continues smoothly.”

Yeah okay... so what are you going to do about Thais staying illegally in Japan?

34 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Yeah okay... so what are you going to do about Thais staying illegally in Japan?

 

Nada.

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Yeah okay... so what are you going to do about Thais staying illegally in Japan?

 

The same thing they do about all the bad drivers on Thai roads and sidewalks....nothing.

8 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Yeah okay... so what are you going to do about Thais staying illegally in Japan?

Talk about it. Form a committee. ?

"Will Japan end visa-free travel for Thais?" By Travel Weekly Asia  Mar 14, 2024

https://www.travelweekly-asia.com/Destination-Travel/Will-Japan-end-visa-free-travel-for-Thais

Rising Thai overstays prompt speculation on potential changes to visa-free travel policy with Japan.

The number of Thais overstaying increased from 8,688 in 2021 to 9,549 in 2022, and further to 11,472 in 2023.